The Lakers, coming off the highs of the 2020 championship run in Orlando, fell out of orbit as they lost in 6 games to the Phoenix Suns. Injuries played a major role, and the gaps in the roster GM Rob Pelinka put together were glaring.

With LeBron & AD missing over 6 weeks of the regular season nursing major injuries, it was the next-man-up mentality for L.A. The role players Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell Pope tried their best to fill the void, but, the gap left behind by James and Davis proved to be too wide. In fact, the Lakers were below .500, as they recorded 12-15 in games without the duo.

With their aspirations for a deep playoff run going up in smoke, it forced Davis and James to return prematurely. The Lakers ultimately clinched a playoff berth with a nerve-wracking Play-In matchup going in their favor.

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The league believed that the duo’s return, with the addition of Andre-Drummond, would see L.A. in the finals yet again. But, a red-hot Phoenix Suns team, with a mid-series injury to Davis proved too much for an aging LeBron.

The case of ‘Will he? Won’t he?’ with Dennis Schroder

With L.A. going through the motions most of the season without their stars, Dennis Schroder was the key focus in the team’s game-plan. Dennis, as the overall third option on the roster, stepped up as he averaged 17.7ppg/8.2apg in the stretch without the duo as opposed to 15.4ppg/5.8apg rest of the season.

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And while his performances in the regular season increased his stock price, a disappointing playoffs burnout will hamper his case as he asks for over 100-million this summer. Schroder also reportedly turned down an 85-million $ extension offer mid-season, looking to be picked up for higher in the off-season.

Schroder’s inability to shake off the rust in the playoffs cost the Lakers, especially in Game 5, where L.A. lost by 30 to the Suns without Anthony Davis. Schroder came up scoreless in Game 5, and while his teammates have backed him to improve this season, will the front office share their optimism?

Are the Lakers looking ahead?

One tell-sign could be the recent workout video which saw Schroder catch up with Anthony Davis at the UCLA Health Center. And even though both parties have made no comments on the future, the players have expressed interest in running it back in the 2021-22 season.

What remains to be seen is, will the Lakers back Dennis Schroder for a 100-120 million based on what they have seen this season? Or will he be on his way out, with the Lakers keeping their options open for a third star in Dinwiddie, Lowry, or even in a long shot Damian Lillard?

Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka, and the front office will have their work cut out for them, as they aspire for Championship Banner 18, a feat that would set a new record for most championships in league history!

Watch this story – 2021-22 Off Season: Point Guards The Lakers Need To Keep An Eye On